A CHARITIES organisation hit back at Scots Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie yesterday in a row over the independence referendum.

Rennie had demanded the resignation of Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations chief executive Martin Sime, after claiming that he was involved in a “behind-the-scenes SNP bid for a second question” on the ballot.

He reacted to an apparently leaked email from one of First Minister Alex Salmond’s policy advisers to Sime, which outlined support for a “devo max” option.

Rennie said Sime was allowing the Scottish Government to use the SCVO as a “front organisation”.

But SCVO convener Alison Elliot responded with a strongly-worded letter to the MSP yesterday.

She told Rennie: “I consider your allegations preposterous, your interpretation of the incidents fanciful and your attempt to interfere in the business of an independent organisation unworthy of a public leader.”

Elliot said she had no intention of asking Sime to resign, adding: “Special advisers from all the main political parties, including your own, have been in dialogue with SCVO in recent months – that is their job.

“We are not a front for anyone, nor will we be told by outsiders what we will or will not debate.”